How to reset the maintenance light on Audi A3?

[NadiaLee]

The maintenance light of this vehicle can be reset using an automotive computer diagnostic tool or manually. Below is the manual method to reset the maintenance light for Audi A3: 1. Turn the ignition switch to KEY—ON. 2. Press and hold the reset button below the odometer. 3. Turn the ignition switch to KEY—OFF and release the reset button. 4. Press and hold the digital clock adjustment button or analog clock adjustment button until the display shows. 5. This indicates the completion of "OEL" maintenance reset. 6. If you need to reset IN02, continue with the following steps: Press the reset button below the odometer again to enter IN01, then press the clock adjustment button to reset. Repeat the above steps to reset IN02. Turn the ignition switch to KEY—ON, wait until IN00 appears, then turn the ignition switch to KEY—OFF, and the reset is complete.

[LaConnor]

My Audi A3 also had the service light issue after last year's maintenance, and the DIY process is quite simple: First, turn off the engine and close the door, then press and hold the 0.0 button on the instrument panel without releasing. Next, press the start button to power on (do not press the brake to ignite). At this point, the instrument panel will display a service reminder—release the 0.0 button and immediately press it once more briefly to complete the reset. The entire process requires quick hand movements; if you miss the prompt, you'll have to start over. After completion, start the engine and check the instrument panel—if the service reminder disappears, the reset was successful. This method applies to pre-2019 models with mechanical instrument clusters. For newer touchscreen models, use the VIEW button on the left side of the steering wheel to access the engineering menu. If you fail three times in a row, the system may be locked, requiring a dealership computer reset. Before attempting this, it's best to check the vehicle manual for specific steps, as minor differences between model years can be frustrating.

[VonAlex]

Last month, I just helped my neighbor reset the maintenance light on his Audi A3. As an experienced driver, here are some practical tips: Close the door, turn on the ignition without starting the engine, repeatedly press the MENU button on the left side of the steering wheel to access the instrument cluster menu. Use the left and right buttons to navigate to the maintenance option, then press OK to enter the submenu and select the reset function. For newer models with LCD screens, remember to look for the service item with a wrench icon to reset. For older models with mechanical gauges, simultaneously press the 0.0 button and the small button below the tachometer. The most common reason for failure is insufficient power-on time (less than 10 seconds), so it's recommended to wait for the instrument cluster to complete its self-check before proceeding. After resetting, drive a few kilometers to observe if the warning light disappears completely. If it reappears, it might genuinely need maintenance. Resetting these electronic systems requires both confidence and attention to detail.

[LaJuliana]

As a tuning shop, we've dealt with maintenance light issues on over a dozen Audi A3s, and it boils down to two key points: power disconnection and reset button combinations. First, turn the key to ACC position to power up the instrument cluster, then press and hold the steering wheel VIEW button for three seconds to activate the engineering menu. Use the directional keys to select SERVICE RESET and confirm. For older models with mechanical clusters, it's even simpler - just hold down the 0.0 button and the left-side knob on the cluster for five seconds while powering up. Note that some models require a four-digit PIN code for reset, which can be found in the vehicle purchase documentation. Worried about making mistakes when doing it yourself? Search for reset videos for your specific model year on your phone - there are plenty of tutorials on Bilibili now. If all else fails, spend 200 yuan at the dealership to have them clear it with their computer - much better than randomly pressing buttons and messing up the system.